The woman who helped the Queen go incognito in public has died at the age of 97. Lady Rupert Nevill knew the Queen from childhood after they met when they were both in a troop of girl guides that met in the grounds of Buckingham Palace.
Born Camilla Wallop, daughter of the 9th Earl of Portsmouth, she was known as “Micky” by friends including the Queen.
She married Lord Rupert Nevill in 1944 with their martial home Horsted Place, in Uckfield, East Sussex becoming a bolthole for Princess Margaret and Peter Townsend during their romance.
Lord Rupert was a treasurer and private secretary to Prince Philip.
The Queen and Prince Philip often stayed at Horsted Place.
While staying there they would be driven to Brighton so they could go to the theatre.
An article from the 1970s recalls the efforts of Lady Nevil in ensuring that the Queen could “go unrecognised” on occasions in public.
They said: “The Queen relishes seeing whether out of royal context she can go unrecognised.
“She once queued at the ticket office without being noticed.
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“In fact, she was one of the main influences in my life.
“Her knowledge, her judgment, her taste, were all extraordinary, and I consider knowing her as one of my greatest blessings.”
Lady Rupert’s funeral is next week with senior members of the Firm expected to be in attendance.
